Patricky Freire Favors Past Foe Shabliy Over Nurmagomedov at Bellator San Diego


No matter who gets it done on Saturday, the world of MMA will see a new Russian millionaire.

Atop Bellator Championship Series: Nurmagomedov vs. Shabliy in San Diego on Sept. 7, Usman Nurmagomedov (17-0, 1 NC) will put his lightweight strap on the line against Alexander Shabliy (24-3). The victor will not only claim the Bellator MMA 155-pound throne, but also a check for $1 million. On their way to glory, both Russians defeated former champ Patricky Freire, who weighed in on the matchup to Sherdog.

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At Bellator 288 in November 2022, Freire surrendered his belt to Nurmagomedov prior to the commencement of the tourney. A year later, “Pitbull” collided with Shabliy at Bellator 301, and he lost on the scorecards once more. With the experience of facing both across 25-minute engagements, the ex-champ believes the fight will be a lengthy endeavor, while suggesting that sizeable betting underdog +325 Shabliy should be favored.

“I believe Usman will avoid the stand-up game,” Freire explained. “Shabliy has very good footwork and uses his long range with powerful jabs very well, and I believe it will be a problem to Usman.”

Although Nurmagomedov is known for his exceptional wrestling, Freire does not expect the current champion will be able impose his will through grappling.

“Shabliy also has a very good wrestling, so I don’t see him being taken down by Nurmagomedov. Even if Usman does, Shabliy will stand up fast and impose his better striking. I see him winning by decision in a five-round war,” the Brazilian analyzed.

One of Shabliy’s chief corners, coach “Parrumpa” Marcos DaMatta, also favors his pupil in the high-stakes matchup. DaMatta agrees with “Pitbull” that striking will be how the ATT representative claims the prize.

“Only a better [striker] without excellent takedown defense would favor Usman,” DaMatta suggested. “The point is that Shabliy is a better striker but also has [some] of the best defensive wrestling on the sport, and that was recognized even by Islam Makhachev, who said other day, ‘after me, Usman, Arman [Tsarukyan] and Shabliy are the best wrestlers of the division.”

Using another common foe, the beloved coach from American Top Team pointed to Nurmagomedov and Shabliy’s matches against Brent Primus as a potential bellwether.

“Shabliy knocked Primus out in the second round,” “Parrumpa” noted. “It was not even a close fight, while Usman had a tough time defeating Primus in a close five-round war. But of course, each fight is a different fight and anything can happen, but I truly believe Shabliy has more tools to win that [grand prix].”